Turmoil at Besiktas: President Hasan Arat resigns, interim leader appointed
Baku, November 27, AZERTAC
Hasan Arat stepped down as president of Besiktas Gymnastics Club on November 27, 2024, less than a year after his election in December 2023, according to Türkiye Today.
The Besiktas Board of Directors appointed Vice President Huseyin Yucel as interim president until the next general assembly, scheduled for May 2025.
The Besiktas Board of Directors held an extraordinary meeting at Tupras Stadium on Nov. 27 to address growing internal conflicts and management challenges. Following the meeting, the club issued a statement confirming Arat’s resignation.
“Our Board of Directors convened on November 27, 2024, and resolved to accept the resignation of Board Chairman Mr. Hasan Arat. Mr. Huseyin Yucel has been appointed as Board Chairman to serve in this role temporarily, subject to approval at the next general assembly,” the club announced.
Yucel has also been tasked with overseeing the professional football team alongside Vice Presidents Mete Vardar and Onur Gocmez, as well as board member Feyyaz Ucar.
Hasan Arat‘s departure follows a period of unrest within the club, marked by disputes among board members and dissatisfaction with recent decisions.
The dismissal of football team general coordinator Samet Aybaba and board consultant Brad Friedel created significant tension, as some board members were reportedly excluded from discussions about these changes.
Aybaba revealed that he learned of his dismissal through a WhatsApp message. He also disclosed a lack of communication with Arat over the past four months, saying he resorted to written memos to convey his concerns. Aybaba plans to hold a press conference on Saturday to share further details about his departure.
The club faced further scrutiny following its 4–2 loss to Goztepe in the Super Lig, which intensified criticism of Arat’s leadership. Several board members reportedly considered resigning in response to the handling of recent decisions. Vice President Onur Gocmez initially submitted his resignation but later withdrew it after discussions with the board.
After Arat’s resignation, Huseyin Yucel was named interim president. The Besiktas Board of Directors expressed confidence in his ability to guide the club during this transitional period.
Yucel will manage the professional football team with support from Vice Presidents Mete Vardar and Onur Gocmez, as well as board member Feyyaz Ucar. This collaborative approach aims to maintain stability until elections in May 2025.
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